Secretary Pedro Rivera and Secretary Pedro Cortes Honor 2016 Migrant Education Graduates

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera, Secretary of State Pedro Cortes, and Deputy Consul of Mexico in Philadelphia Erika Guzman today honored the 2016 graduates of the Migrant Education Program at the Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg. The dignitaries awarded certificates to 256 students who participated in the program and are graduating from Pennsylvania high schools or GED programs.

"The students being recognized today should be proud of their efforts and accomplishments, as they were hard fought and well-deserved," said Secretary Rivera. "Today's graduation ceremony celebrates past achievements and anticipates those that are to come in the future. As these students go on to attend a postsecondary institution or enter the workforce, they're moving forward well-equipped for success, thanks to their dedication, hard work, and the encouragement of the Migrant Education Program."

Of the students who completed the high school segment of the program, 234 will be receiving their high school diploma and 22 will receive their General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Of those students, 191 are enrolled or planning to attend an institute of higher education while others plan to enter the work force.

The Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program provides educational and social support to the children of migratory workers. Since its inception, the program has served more than 350,000 students from birth to age 22. The program ensures that migrant students:

• Receive appropriate educational and support services that address their special needs in a coordinated and efficient manner;
• Receive services that help reduce the educational disruptions and other problems that result from repeated moves;
• Overcome the challenges of mobility, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, and other factors associated with a migratory life, in order to succeed in school, and to successfully transition to postsecondary education or employment;
• Are not penalized by disparities among the States in curriculum, graduation requirements, and State academic content and student academic achievement standards;
• Receive full and appropriate opportunities to meet state content and student performance standards that all children are expected to meet; and
• Benefit from state and local systemic reform.

The mission of the program is "to ensure that all migrant students achieve challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma (or complete a GED), and upon graduation are prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment." To achieve that mission, PA-MEP provides after-school and summer programs, in-home programs and health and social support services, parental involvement, advocacy and enrichment.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us